‘Fresh talent everywhere, and Hamza at the heart of it’

Bangla Press Desk:   Bangladesh ended a 22-year wait on Tuesday night, defeating India 1–0 at the National Stadium in the Asian Cup Qualifiers — a victory soaked in emotion and long-suppressed pride.

Shekh Morsalin gave Bangladesh the breakthrough in the 12th minute. After releasing Rakib Hossain with a sharp forward pass, the teenage forward sprinted into the Indian box and finished the return ball through goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu’s legs. 

From there, Bangladesh dug deep, defending the slender lead against India’s sustained pressure until the final whistle sent the stadium into raptures.

The last time Bangladesh defeated India was in 2003 — the famous SAFF Championship semi-final settled by Matiur Rahman Munna’s golden goal. That night in Dhaka, Munna pressed the Indian backline, stole the ball near midfield and surged forward on a sensational solo run before unleashing a powerful left-footed strike from distance. The shot curled past the goalkeeper and stunned the Indian defence, sending the home crowd into delirium. Alfaz Ahmed, a member of that iconic squad and now head coach of Mohammedan Sporting Club, felt history reconnect on Tuesday night.

“Munna's goal was unforgettable — a moment of pure instinct,” Alfaz told the Daily Sun. “But Morsalin’s goal had its own beauty. Football gives you different joys in different eras.”

Alfaz believes this win came at a crucial psychological moment for the national team.

“We had chances in recent years but couldn’t finish,” he said. 

“But we were never outplayed. India are a good team, improving in every department. Still, we always fought. They never outclassed us — we either lost by a goal or two, or we drew. That competitive edge was always there, and this time we finally turned it into a win.”

He praised the collective performance more than any individual brilliance.

“Every player gave heart and soul. Especially Hamza — he was everywhere. Defence, midfield, attack… It felt like he covered the entire pitch alone. His experience has changed the team’s confidence level. And everyone played well.”

Reflecting on the team’s evolution, he added, “Bangladesh football is full of talented players. You can see fresh talent everywhere now. And after Hamza’s arrival, the team’s face has changed. We would’ve won in Shillong in March if luck had helped. But winning at home, in front of thousands, makes it special. Everyone saw the victory.”

BP/SP